Video processing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A connector ring includes a retention portion; an intermediate portion; and a plug hood made of a flexible material, the intermediate portion connecting the retention portion to the plug hood, wherein the retention portion and the plug hood are larger in cross-section than the intermediate portion in at least one radial extent. The connector ring can be removably attached to a video processing apparatus through an aperture in a wall of the video processing apparatus.

This application claims the benefit of and priority from Danish PatentApplication Nos. PA 2020 70114 and PA 2020 70115, filed Feb. 21, 2020,which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a video processing apparatus operable topresent images obtained with a videoscope. More particularly, thedisclosure relates to a portable video processing apparatus havingconnector ports operable to receive image data from one or morevideoscopes and output a video stream corresponding to the image datafor presentation with a display module operably coupled to the videoprocessing apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Medical videoscopes comprise endoscopes, colonoscopes, ear-nose-throatscopes, duodenoscopes, and any other medical device having an imagesensor configured to obtain images of views of a patient. A medicalvideoscope may be, for example, an endotracheal tube, laryngeal mask, ora laryngoscope having an image sensor configured to obtain images ofviews of a patient. The term “patient” herein includes humans andanimals. Portable medical monitors can be communicativelly coupled tothe medical videoscopes to receive image data therefrom and presentimages corresponding to the image data on a display module of themonitor.

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a videoscope 1 comprising a handle 2with an articulation lever 4 and an insertion tube 3 having a proximalend 3 a and a distal end 3 b. An articulation tube 5 having an imagesensor 6 is disposed at distal end 3 b. The image sensor capturesoptical images and transmits image data corresponding to the images viaa cable 12 to a connector 13. Connector 13 is insertable into aconnector port of a monitor to present graphical images corresponding tothe optical images with a display module of the monitor. Movement ofarticulation lever 4 reorients the field of view of image sensor 6.

Videoscopes are made for various procedures and may have differenttechnical characteristics suited for the procedure they are designed toperform, based on the age of the device, or for other reasons. Thetechnical characteristics, or technology, may comprise the type of imagesensor included with the image sensor, whether the videoscope includeson-board data processing capabilities, whether the videoscope includesadditional sensor which provide information to the monitor, potentiallyincluding more than one image sensor. The type of image sensor mayprovide different capabilities, including various controls such as imageinversion, image rotation, contrast, and exposure.

An endoscope is a type of a videoscope. An endoscope described incommonly owned U.S. Patent Application No. 2019/0223694 has an insertiontube with an internal working channel and a connector at the handleadapted for the attachment of a syringe. A recess is adapted toaccommodate a cylindrical body of the syringe when the syringe isattached to the connector. The endoscope is adapted to performbronchoalveolar lavage, a procedure for obtaining samples, through theworking channel, of organic material from a lung segment of a patient.Commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 10,321,804 describes an articulated tip ofan endoscope. Commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 9,220,400 describes a camerahousing arranged at the distal end of the insertion tube. The camerahousing is molded and contains an image sensor and a light source, e.g.LED, embedded in the material of the camera housing. The foregoingapplication and patents describe technical characteristics of respectivevideoscopes described therein and are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety.

Furthermore, portable medical monitors are used in various settingsincluding hospital, clinics, emergency response vehicles and in thefield. These settings offer differing lighting conditions which mightnot be optimal for a predetermined monitor position.

Based on the foregoing it is evident that a need exists for a videoprocessing apparatus suitable for use with a variety of videoscopes andvideoscope technologies in a variety of settings.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a video processing apparatus, such asa portable medical monitor, a connector ring for the video processingapparatus, and a method of assemblying the video processing apparatus.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a solution which atleast improves the solutions of the prior art. Particularly, it is anobject of the present disclosure to provide a video processing apparatusthat facilitates use in default and inverted orientations. Anotherobject of the present disclosure is to provide a video processingapparatus that can be adapted for use with different videoscopes and canbe updated over time.

In a first aspect of the disclosure, a connector ring for a videoprocessing apparatus (VPA) is provided. In some embodiments according tothe first aspect, the connector ring comprises a retention portion; anintermediate portion; and a plug hood made of a flexible material, theintermediate portion connecting the retention portion to the plug hood,wherein the retention portion and the plug hood are larger incross-section than the intermediate portion in at least one radialextent.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the plug hoodcomprises a visual technology indicator associated with a technology ofa medical device interface of the VPA and a plug alignment indicator,and the retention portion includes an alignment feature correspondingwith the alignment indicator.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the the plug hoodcomprises a cylindrical wall including the visual technology indicatorand the plug alignment indicator. In some variations of the presentembodiment, the visual technology indicator comprises a color associatedwith the technology of the medical device interface, and the plugalignment indicator comprises a notch in the cylindrical wall, and theplug hood further comprises an alignment indicia of a color differentthan the color associated with the technology of the medical deviceinterface. In some variations of the present embodiment, the retentionportion of the connector ring comprises an arcuate wall including thealignment feature, and the alignment feature is sized and shaped toradially align the connector ring with a medical device connector of themedical device interface of the VPA. In some variations of the presentembodiment, the alignment feature comprises an opening in the arcuatewall.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the flexible materialis selected to adopt a bent state under application of force and anunbent state upon release of the force, and the connector hood consistssubstantially of the flexible material.

In some embodiments, a connectivity assembly is provided for a videoprocessing apparatus (VPA) having a first videoscope interface having afirst connector and a second videoscope interface having a secondconnector, the first videoscope interface and the second videoscopeinterface having different technologies. The connectivity assemblycomprises: a connector ring made of a flexible material selected toadopt a bent state under application of force and an unbent state uponrelease of the force, the connector ring including: a plug hood having avisual technology indicator and an alignment indicator; a retentionportion having an alignment feature sized and shaped to mate with acorresponding feature of the VPA and thereby retain the connector ringin a prescribed position, the alignment feature defining a prescribedposition of the alignment indicator relative to the VPA; and anintermediate portion connecting the retention portion to the plug hood,the retention portion and the plug hood having larger cross-sectionsthan the intermediate portion in at least one radial extent; and a cableconnector of a videoscope, the cable connector sized and shaped to matewith the first connector or the second connector and including: a visualalignment indicator sized and structured to be noticeable by a user ofthe VPA and to align with the alignment indicator of the plug hood whenthe cable connector is mated with the the first connector or the secondconnector; and a visual technology indicator matching the visualtechnology indicator of the connector ring and a technology of the firstvideoscope interface or the second videoscope interface to visuallyindicate to the user into which of the first connector or the secondconnector to insert the cable connector, wherein the connector ring isremovably mountable onto the VPA in the bent state and operable toreceive the cable connector in the unbent state.

In some embodiments of the connectivity assembly, the cable connectorfurther comprises a grip section including a top surface opposite abottom surface, the top surface and the bottom surface having differentprofiles sized and structured to provide a tactile indication of anorientation of the cable connector.

In a second aspect of the disclosure, a video processing apparatus (VPA)is provided. In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the VPAcomprises a housing defining an interior space of the VPA, the housingincluding a wall having an opening; a medical device interface includinga medical device connector axially aligned with the opening on the wallof the housing; and a connector ring positioned in the opening. Theconnector ring may be any one of the connector rings according to thefirst aspect. The medical device interface receives image datacorresponding to body tissues from a videoscope. The VPA renders videocomprising the image data and graphic objects of a graphical userinterface (GUI).

In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the connector ringcomprises a plug hood made of flexible material and extending outwardlyfrom the wall.

In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the connector ringcomprises a retention portion located in the interior space and radiallyaligned with the medical device connector, and an intermediate portiontraversing the opening, wherein the retention portion and the plug hoodare larger in cross-section than the opening in the wall of the housingin at least one radial extent, and wherein the intermediate porton issmaller in cross-section than the opening in the wall of the housing inthe at least one extent.

In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the retentionportion of the connector ring comprises an arcuate wall including analignment feature sized and shaped to radially align the connector ringwith the medical device connector. In some variations of the presentembodiment, the alignment feature comprises a notch in the arcuate wall.

In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the plug hood of theconnector ring comprises a visual technology indicator.

In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the plug hood of theconnector ring comprises a plug alignment indicator.

In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the plug hood of theconnector ring comprises a plug alignment indicator and a cylindricalwall, and the plug alignment indicator comprises a notch in thecylindrical wall.

In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the plug hood of theconnector ring comprises a cylindrical wall including a visualtechnology indicator and a plug alignment indicator.

In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the visualtechnology indicator comprises a color associated with a technology ofthe medical device interface, and the plug alignment indicator comprisesa notch in the cylindrical wall, and the plug hood further comprises analignment indicia of a color different than the color associated withthe technology of the medical device interface.

In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the VPA furthercomprises a display module supported by the housing. The display moduleincludes a display screen. The VPA also comprises the GUI and presentsthe rendered video with the display screen. The VPA can also output therendered video, combining the image data and graphic objects from theGUI, in a video output signal.

In some embodiments, a video processing system is provided comprising: avideo processing apparatus (VPA) including: a housing defining aninterior space of the VPA, the housing including a wall having a firstopening and a second opening; a first videoscope interface including afirst connector port axially aligned with the first opening; a secondvideoscope interface including a second connector port axially alignedwith the second opening; a first connector ring secured in the firstopening and a second connector ring secured in the second opening, thefirst connector ring and the second connector ring made of a flexiblematerial selected to adopt a bent state under application of force andan unbent state upon release of the force, each of the first connectorring and the second connector ring comprising: a plug hood having avisual technology indicator and an alignment indicator; a retentionportion having an alignment feature sized and shaped to mate with acorresponding feature of the VPA and thereby retain the connector ringin a prescribed position, the alignment feature defining a prescribedposition of the alignment indicator relative to the VPA; and anintermediate portion connecting the retention portion to the plug hood,the retention portion and the plug hood having larger cross-sectionsthan the intermediate portion in at least one radial extent; and a firstvideoscope comprising a cable connector sized and shaped to mate withthe first connector; a second videoscope comprising a cable connectorsized and shaped to mate with the second connector, the cable connectorof the first videoscope and the second videoscope each including: avisual alignment indicator sized and structured to be noticeable by auser of the VPA and to align with the alignment indicator of the plughood when the cable connector is mated with, respectivelly, the firstconnector or the second connector; and a visual technology indicatormatching the visual technology indicator of the connector ring and atechnology of, respectivelly, the first videoscope interface or thesecond videoscope interface, to visually indicate to the user into whichof the first connector or the second connector to insert the cableconnector, wherein the technologies of the first videoscope and thesecond videoscope are different

In some embodiments, the cable connector further comprises a gripsection including a top surface opposite a bottom surface, the topsurface and the bottom surface having different profiles sized andstructured to provide a tactile indication of an orientation of thecable connector.

In a third aspect of the disclosure, a method of assemblying a VPA isprovided. In some embodiments according to the third aspect, the methodcomprises providing a housing including a wall having an opening;removably connecting a medical device interface to a circuit boardlocated in an internal space of the medical VPA, the medical deviceinterface including a connector axially aligned with the opening on thewall of the housing when the medical device interface is connected tothe circuit board; providing a connector ring including a retentionportion, an intermediate portion, and a plug hood, the intermediateportion connecting the retention portion to the plug hood, the connectorring having a flexible portion capable of adopting a bent state and anunbent state, in the unbent state the flexible portion having across-section larger than the opening and thus not being insertablethrough the opening, and in the bent state the flexible portion having across-section smaller than the opening and thus being insertable throughthe opening; bending the flexible portion into the bent state; while inthe bent state, inserting the portion of the connector ring through theopening until the opening surrounds the intermediate portion; andreleasing the connector ring to allow the flexible portion to adopt theunbent state.

In some embodiments according to the third aspect, the method furthercomprises radially aligning the connector ring with the connector of themedical device interface.

In some embodiments according to the third aspect, the connector hoodcomprises the flexible portion.

In some embodiments according to the third aspect, the flexible portioncomprises a flexible polymeric material selected to adopt the bent stateand the unbent state, and the connector hood consists substantially ofthe flexible polymeric material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned embodiments and additional variations, features andadvantages thereof will be further elucidated by the followingillustrative and nonlimiting detailed description of embodimentsdisclosed herein with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of an embodiment of a videoscope;

FIG. 1b is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable medicalmonitor;

FIGS. 2a-c are top, front, and bottom views of the embodiment of theportable medical monitor of FIG. 1b in a first orientation;

FIGS. 3a and 3b are perspective and side views of the embodiment of theportable medical monitor of FIG. 1 b;

FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c are side and back views of the embodiment of theportable medical monitor of FIG. 1 b;

FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 5c are back, cross-section, and expanded cross-sectionviews of the embodiment of the portable medical monitor of FIG. 1 b;

FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view of the portable medical monitor ofFIG. 1 b;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a housing of theportable medical monitor of FIG. 1b supported by a support bracket;

FIGS. 8a and 8b are perspective and side views of an embodiment of asupport bracket for the portable medical monitor of FIG. 1 b;

FIG. 9a is a top view of the embodiment of the support bracket of FIG. 6a;

FIG. 9b is a perspective view of the embodiment of the support bracketof FIG. 6a supporting the portable medical monitor of FIG. 1 b;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a component of thesupport bracket of FIG. 8 a;

FIG. 11 is schematic view of a cross-section of the component of thesupport bracket of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12a and 12b are views of the portable medical monitor of FIG. 1bin a first orientation and a second orientation;

FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c are side views of an embodiment of a cableconnector of a videoscope operable with the portable medical monitor ofFIG. 1 b;

FIGS. 14a and 14b are partial views of components of the portablemedical monitor of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the portable medical monitor of FIG. 1bin a partially disassembled state;

FIGS. 16a, 16b, and 16c are perspective views of an embodiment of aconnector ring of the portable medical monitor of FIG. 1 b;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the connector ring of FIGS. 16a-c inthe process of removal from the housing of the portable medical monitor;

FIGS. 18 and 19 are perspective and diagramatic views of an embodimentof a handle position brake of the portable medical monitor of FIG. 1 b;

FIGS. 20a, 20b, and 20c are perspective views of an embodiment of avideo output housing recess;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the portable medical monitor of FIG. 1bin a partially disassembled state;

FIG. 22 is a block diagram of an embodiment of portable medical videomonitor module;

FIG. 23 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the portable medicalvideo monitor of FIG. 1b connected to three videoscopes and an externalvideo display; and

FIG. 24 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a portable medicalvideo monitor connected to three videoscopes and an external videodisplay.

In the drawings, corresponding reference characters indicatecorresponding parts, functions, and features throughout the severalviews. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain featuresmay be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain thedisclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thedisclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings, which are described below. The embodiments disclosed beloware not intended to be exhaustive or limit the disclosure to the preciseform disclosed in the following detailed description.

FIG. 1b is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable medicalmonitor 20 (also referred to as “monitor 20”) in a first orientation.FIGS. 2a-c are top, front, and bottom views of monitor 20. As shown,monitor 20 comprises a housing 22, a display module 24 supported byhousing 22, a handle 26, a power button 28, an output interface 30, andconnector ports 32, 34, and 36. Monitor 20 has front and back sides.Display module 24 includes a display screen that defines the front sideand electronic circuits operable to receive, and then output to thedisplay screen, video data. The display screen may be a touch sensitivescreen that also functions as a user input sensor, in which case theelectronic circuits also include circuits to sense the position of theuser's fingers or input device, e.g. touch screen pencil, and to outputsignals including indicia indicative of the location touched on thedisplay screen.

As shown in FIG. 2c , housing 22 includes a front housing component 57removably attached to a back housing component 54. A securement cover 56is removably attached to back housing component 54. Securement cover 56can be removed to expose and provide access to a number of fastenersprovided to removably attach front housing component 57 to back housingcomponent 54. Example fasteners include screws and snap-fits.

FIGS. 3a and 3b are a back perspective and a side view of monitor 20.Monitor 20 comprises support features including at least handle 26 and alatching structure 82, described with reference to FIGS. 5a-5c ,including a pair of bracket latch receivers. Handle 26, described withreference to FIGS. 3a-4c , can be used to carry monitor 20 and canfunction as a table stand. Latching structure 82 is configured tosupport monitor 20 from a monitor bracket which can be clamped to an IVstand. Advantageously, the support features are positioned in a middlesection of the monitor to facilitate operation of the monitor in thefirst and second orientations. Rotating the monitor to place theconnector ports on the right or left side may be desirable in enclosedsettings, for example, which may provide limited accessibility to one orthe other side. Advantageously, connector rings are provided on one sideof the monitor that distinguish the right and left sides and allow auser to quickly determine which orientation the monitor is in.

Handle 26 comprises handle axles 51, 52 pivotally securing arms 46, 48to housing 22. Each handle axle is connected to the first end of one ofthe arms. Each handle axle traverses, at least partially, one of thegrooves 42, 44 to define a first section of the groove on one side ofthe handle axle and a second section of the groove on an opposite sideof the handle axle. The handle is pivotable about the handle axles to aplurality of positions including a first position, in which the arms arereceived by the first sections of the grooves, a second position, inwhich the arms are received by the second sections of the grooves, andintermediate positions between the first position and the secondposition. Monitor 20 further includes handle position brakes (describedwith reference to FIGS. 18 and 19), including the handle axles, to holdthe handle in one of the positions. Housing 22 includes a body 54 and acover 56. Cover 56 can be removed from body 54 to provide access tofasteners which can be removed to separate body 54 from display module24 and provide access to various internal components.

The back side, 65, of the housing includes grooves 42, 44 sized andshaped to receive, respectively, arms 46, 48 of handle 26. The back sideof the housing also includes a middle section 50 (shown in FIG. 4b )extending between the third side and the fourth side equidistantlybetween the first side and the second side, the middle section having aheight “H” less than 4.0 centimeters, preferrably less than 3.0centimeters. A central plane C_(P) passes through middle section 50.Each of the arms has a first end pivotally attached via a handle axle51, 52 to the middle section of the housing, as described further below,and a second end opposite the first end and connected to the bar. Handleaxles 51, 52 are shown on central plane C_(P). Grooves 42, 44 each havea portion 42 a, 44 a on one side of a handle axle and another portion 42b, 44 b on the other side of the handle axle. The portions of grooves42, 44 are sized and shaped to receive the arms of the handle. In FIGS.3a and 3b the arms of the handle are not drawn to scale.

Housing 22 also includes a video output housing recess 400 (describedwith reference to FIGS. 20a-c ) and a power receptacle assembly 500(described with reference to FIGS. 14a and 21). Additionally, housing 22includes an external heat sink 70.

Housing 22 has a first side 61 and a second side 62 opposite the firstside, a third side 63 and a fourth side 64 opposite the third side andorthogonal to the first side, a front side, and a back side opposite thefront side. Advantageously, monitor 20 can be rotated 180 degrees from afirst orientation to a second orientation. The first orientation may bereferred to as the “default” orientation and the second orientation maybe referred to as the “inverted” orientation. In the default, or first,orientation the external heat sink is below a ventilation grid and firstside 61 is below second side 62. In the inverted, or second, orientationfirst side 61 is above the second side 62. The connector ports are onthe third side. In the first orientation the third side is the left sideand in the second orientation the third side is the right side. Theterms “right” and “left” correspond to the sides of a viewer facingdisplay module 24. Accordingly, in FIGS. 3a and 3b the top side is theside opposite the support structure onto which monitor 20 rests becausemonitor 20 is in the first orientation with connector ports 32, 34, and36 on the left side.

Portable medical monitor 20 includes sensors configured to determine achange in the orientation of monitor 20 (e.g. between the first andsecond orientations) and a controller configured to rotate the imagespresented with display module 24 responsive to such rotation. Thesensors and controller are described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23.

Referring to FIG. 3b , monitor 20 has rounded edges. A rounded firstedge 66 connects first side 61 to back side 65 and a rounded second edge68 connects second side 62 to back side 65. The bar of the handle isoperable to support the monitor at an angle to a horizontal plane, asshown in FIG. 3b , ranging at least between 15-75 degrees, permittingthe monitor to rest on the rounded first edge in the first orientationand on the rounded second edge in the second orientation. Handle brakes,described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, maintain a position of thehandle to support monitor 20 at a plurality of angles relative to thesupport structure onto which monitor 20 lays.

In some embodiments, rounded first edge 66 has a curvature radius equalto a curvature radius of rounded second edge 68. The curvature radiusmay be greater than 2.0 centimeters, and preferrably greater than 2.5centimeters.

FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b, and 5c depict support features of monitor 20including latching structure 82, including bracket latch receiversoperable to receive latches of a monitor support bracket described withreference to FIGS. 8a-9b . FIG. 4b illustrates the back side of monitor20 showing the arms of handle 26 in the grooves. A ventilation grid 80is positioned between the grooves and also between second side 62 andcentral plane C_(P).

Referring to FIG. 4b , a heat sink 70 extends downward from middlesection 50 toward first side 61. Heat sink 70 includes a plurality offins 72 with slots therebetween configured to extend the externalsurface area of heat sink 70 and thereby increase cooling capacity, asis know in the art. An aperture 74 of heat sink 70 is positioned on themiddle section of the monitor. Central plane C_(P) is equidistantbetween first side 61 and second side 62 and divides middle section 50such that a first side of the middle section has a height equal to H/2and a second side of the middle section has a height equal to H/2. Asshown, an edge of heat sink 70 is aligned with an edge of middle section50. Generally, the latching structure comprises latch retainers 85 a, 85b and recesses 86 a, 86 b. In one variation, the latching structure ispart of heat sink 70 and is therefore secured to housing 22 when heatsink 70 is secured to housing 22. In another variation, a portion oflatching structure 82, e.g. a centering portion, is formed with the backwall of housing 22. Aperture 74 surrounds the portion of the latchingstructure 82 formed with the back wall of housing 22. In a furtherembodiment, the portion of the latching structure 82 is formed in aseparate device that fits between the back wall of housing 22 and heatsink 70, as described with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of monitor 20 at central plane C_(P)showing latching structure 82. The handle axles comprise rotation axeslying in the center plane. FIG. 5c is an expanded view of thecross-sectional view of latching structure 82. As shown, heat sink 70 ispositioned within a recess 83 formed in the back side of the monitor bylateral walls 81 c extending from a wall 81 a (which forms back side 65of housing 22) and a recessed heat sink wall 81 b connecting lateralwalls 81 c. Heat sink recess 83 is sized to receive heat sink 70therein. Heat sink 70 includes two vertical, parallel, support walls 75a, 75 b. Support walls 75 a, 75 b include a securement portion 84 a, 84b, and extending from the securement portions toward the center of theheat sink, a first latch retainer 85 a and a second latch retainer 85 b.A plurality of screws 76 pass through the securement portions to secureheat sink 70 to housing 22. Between first and second latch retainers 85a, 85 b and recessed heat sink wall 81 b of housing 22, are a firstrecess 86 a and a second recess 86 b. The latch retainers 85 a, 85 bcause latches of the support bracket to retreat until the latches enterthe recesses, at which time the latches are retained by the latchretainers. As shown, latching structure 82 includes a centeringstructure 87 comprising two vertical walls defining a cavity 88. Cavity88 is sized to receive a centering protrusion 168 (shown in FIGS. 8a and8b ) from the monitor support bracket, which facilitates latching of themonitor onto the monitor support bracket.

FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded back view of monitor 20 illustrating avariation of the latching structure described above and FIG. 7 is aperspective view of housing 22 supported by a monitor support bracket100, depicted in FIGS. 8a and 8b . Referring to FIG. 6, housing 22includes video output housing recess 400 and a heat sink recess 90defined by a plurality of walls including lateral walls 81 c extendingfrom a back wall 81 a of housing 22 toward the internal space of monitor20, and a recessed heat sink wall 81 b connecting lateral walls 81 c.Recessed heat sink wall 81 b includes a through-hole 91 through whichheat sink 70 is thermally connected to a heat generator located in theinternal space. A latching structure centering portion 92 is shownextending from recessed heat sink wall 81 b. A heat generator can be anypackaged integrated circuit that generates heat. In particular, a heatgenerator may be a packaged integrated circuit which may suffer areduced life or performance unless heat is removed from it. Examples ofheat generators include processors including central processing units,graphical procesing units, FPGAs, other packaged circuits capable ofexecuting processing instructions, and the like.

The handle axles comprise rotation axes lying in the center plane. Inuse, latches 166, 170 from the monitor support bracket (shown in FIGS.8a and 8b ) pass through aperture 74. The latches are movable between afirst position and a second position and are biased to the firstposition. The latches include angled surfaces that contact first andsecond latch retainers 85 a, 85 b. During insertion the monitor ispressed toward the monitor support bracket and the latches pass throughthe aperture. The first latch retainer and the second latch retainercause the two latches to temporarily move to the second position andafter insertion the latches return to the first position with portionsof the latches positioned in the bracket latch receivers intermediatethe first latch retainer and the display module and intermediate thesecond latch retainer an the display module to secure the monitor to themonitor support bracket. The latches move away from each other and intofirst and second recesses 86 a, 86 b by operation of a biasing force.

Advantageosuly, heat sink 70 is manufactured from a material that isstronger than the material from which housing 22 is made, therefore heatsink 70 supports or provides support for hanging monitor 20 from themonitor support bracket. For example, heat sink 70 can be made fromaluminum or other heat conductive metals, and housing 22 can be madefrom polymers.

Additionally, placing latching structure 82 in the middle section of themonitor allows hanging the monitor in the first orientation or thesecond orientation with the first or second sides supported by thecradle of the support frame.

FIGS. 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b , 10, and 11 are views of an embodiment of asupport bracket 100 for monitor 20 including an articulating arm 101 anda longitudinal frame 130. FIG. 9b shows monitor 20 mounted on supportbracket 100. FIGS. 10 and 11 show details of longitudinal frame 130.Articularting arm 101 includes a clamp 102 hinged to a horizontallyarticulating link 104 which is hinged to a vertically articulating link106. A knob 108 can be rotated to tighten a hinge between horizontallyarticulating link 104 and vertically articulating link 106 in a knownmanner. Clamp 102 also includes a threaded rod connected to a knob 109which can be rotated to tightly secure clamp 102 to a support rodpassing through an aperture of the clamp, in a known manner. The supportrod can be an IV stand, for example.

A cable holster 110 is removably attached to clamp 102 and comprises asupport wall 111 attached to the clamp, side walls 112 a, 112 bextending from the support wall, a bottom wall 113, and an exterior wall114 opposite the support wall and connected to the lateral walls and thebottom wall, the support wall, the side walls, the bottom wall, and theexterior wall defining a volume 118 in which a power cable of themonitor may be held. Exterior wall 114 has a slot 115 along a lengththereof sized and configured to pass therethrough a portion of the powercable. A cable clip 120 and clip retainer 122 are also shown.

Longitudinal frame 130 includes a first end 131 a having a first opening132 a, a second end 131 b having a second opening 132 b, a monitorfacing side 160 between the first opening and the second opening, and atleast one aperture 135 disposed in the monitor facing side. A firstactuator 134 a at the first end of the longitudinal frame translatesthrough the first opening and a second actuator 134 b at the second endof the longitudinal frame translates through the second opening.Referring to FIG. 10, first and second actuators 134 a, 134 b includeinternal portions 134 c, 134 d which extend to contact a pair oflongitudinally aligned latches 166, 170 movable between a first positionand a second position and biased to the first position. The biasingforce may be provided by springs 134 g (shown in FIG. 11), for example,connecting internal portions 134 e, 134 f of the latches to the walls ofthe elongate member and compressible by operation of first and secondactuators 134 a, 134 b to overcome the biasing force. A gap between thepair of latches is greater in the first position than the secondposition. Each of the pair of latches includes an internal portion 134e, 134 f disposed within the longitudinal frame, a protruding portion171 b (shown in FIG. 8b ) connected to the internal portion andextending through the at least one aperture, and a latching portion 172b connected to the protruding portion distally of the monitor facingside and including an angled surface 173 a, 173 b. The angled surfacesof the pair of latches are operable to move the pair of latches from thefirst position to the second position. The first actuator and the secondactuator are also operable to move the pair of latches from the firstposition to the second position. The biasing member, for example aspring, moves the pair of latches from the second position to the firstposition.

In one variation, internal portions 134 e, 134 f of the latches areattached to internal portions 134 c, 134 d of the actuators. In anothervariation, internal portions 134 c, 134 d press against but are notattached to internal portions 134 e, 134 f. Internal portions 134 e 134f may be inserted through the opening on the monitor facing side oflongitudinal frame 130. Internal portions 134 c, 134 d may be insertedthrough first and second openings 132 a, 132 b or through the opening onthe monitor facing side of longitudinal frame 130. In some embodiments,internal portions 134 c, 134 d are inserted through the opening on themonitor facing side of longitudinal frame 130 and include one or morecircumferential ridges provided to retain internal portions 134 c, 134 dby abutting with an internal surface of longitudinal frame 130. Thecircumferential ridges do not permit insertion of internal portions 134c, 134 d throught first and second openings 132 a, 132 b in the firstand second ends 131 a, 131 b.

Returning to FIGS. 8a-b and 9, a monitor cradle 180 is sized andconfigured to receive monitor 20. Monitor cradle 180 includes a hanger182 connected to the longitudinal frame and extending downwardlytherefrom, a bottom wall 190 connected to the hanger and extendingforwardly therefrom, and a front wall 194 extending upwardly from thebottom wall. The bottom wall has a bottom surface 192 configured to theshapes of the first and second sides of the monitor. A curved surface193 is contiguous with bottom surface 192 and curved to match thecurvature of the rounded first edge and the rounded second edge so thatthe monitor can be positioned in the cradle in the first orientation orthe second orientation.

As described above, heat sink 70 of monitor 20 includes centeringstructure 87 comprising two vertical walls defining cavity 88. Cavity 88is sized to receive centering protrusion 168 extending from monitorfacing side 160. Centering protrusion 168 extends between latches 166and 170 to facilitate latching of the monitor onto the monitor supportbracket.

As shown, hanger 182 is affixed to monitor facing side 160 oflongitudinal frame 130. On the opposite side of monitor facing side 160longitudinal frame 130 is affixed to articulating link 106. A wallopening on monitor facing side 160 may be provided in longitudinal frame130 to provide access to the latching mechanism (e.g. spring, internalportion, latches), and potentially to enable securement of verticallyarticulating link 106 to a rear wall of longitudinal frame 130.Longitudinal frame 130 and monitor cradle 180 may be molded frompolymeric materials.

In a variation of the present embodiment, longitudinal frame 130 isformed together with hanger 182. For example, hanger 182 may be moldedwith monitor facing side 160.

FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate monitor 20 positioned in the first, ordefault, orientation (FIG. 12a ) and in the second, or inverted,orientation (FIG. 12b ), in both cases with connector ports 32, 34, 36extending from third side 63. A graphical image 200 corresponding to anoptical image captured by the image sensor of a videoscope is presentedwith display module 24. The orientation of the monitor does not changethe orientation of the graphical image because the monitor senses thechange in orientation and rotates the graphical image in a correspondingmanner. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, connector ports 32, 34,36 can be positioned to extend from fourth side 64.

Cable connectors 202 and 204 are shown inserted into, respectively,connector ports 32 and 34. Cable connector 202 is attached to a cable ofa videoscope and cable connector 204 is attached to a cable of anothervideoscope, as described further with reference to FIG. 23. In someembodiments, each cable connector and matching connector port has avisual technology indicator to ensure the technology of the videoscopeis compatible with the technology of the respective connector port.

In some embodiments, alignment indicators 210, 211, visual and tactile,are also provided to facilitate connection of the cable connector withthe connector port. The connector port may include communication linesand power conductors to provide power to energize the image sensor ofthe respective videoscope. The visual technology indicators andalignment indicators are described in additional detail with referenceto FIGS. 15 to 17.

In some embodiments, each cable connector and matching connector porthas a visual technology indicator and alignment indicators.

Cable connectors may comprise standard cable connectors or may includetechnology and/or alignment indicators as shown in FIGS. 13a, 13b, and13c , which illustrate features of cable connector 204. The features arethe same in cable connector 202. Cable connector 204 includes aconnection section 220, a middle section 230, and a grip section 240.Middle section 230 is positioned between connection section 220 and gripsection 240. Cable 12 extends from grip

Connection section 220 includes opposing tabs 222 provided to mate withcorresponding recesses and retain cable connector 204 in place onceinserted into a connector port. Middle section 230 comprises a visualalignment indicator 210, illustratively a triangle, and a visualtechnology indicator 211, illustratively a color-coded ring. Visualalignment indicator 210 and visual technology indicator 211 may have thesame color. The cross-section of middle section 230 is substantiallycircular. Grip section 240 comprises tactile orientation indicators 242and 244. Tactile orientation indicators 242 and 244 comprise differentfeatures provided to allow the user to determine the orientation of thecable connector by touch. A grip section may include a top surfaceopposite a bottom surface, the top surface and the bottom surface havingdifferent profiles sized and structured to provide a tactile indicationof an orientation of the cable connector to the user by “feel” or touch.Tactile alignment indicator 242, illustratively a flat surface, enablesa user to place its thumb on the surface, and thereby feel theorientation of the cable connector and be able to align it with themonitor's connector ports. Tactile orientation indicator 244,illustratively a textured surface, also allows the user to feel thetexture to determine, without looking, how to hold cable connector 202in the proper orientation relative to the monitor to thereby align thecable connector with the connector ports. As shown, the textured surfacecomprises a plurality of parallel grooves.

Up to this point several features of monitor 20 were described,including support features pertaining to the orientation of the monitor,and features pertaing to cable connectors and connector ports. Severalcomponents of monitor 20 can be characterized as being part of a videoprocessing apparatus 520, described in additional detail with referenceto FIGS. 22-24, which may but does not require the same support featuresbecause it does not include a display module. Therefore, videoprocessing apparatus 520 includes the components of monitor 20 relatedto communication and manipulation of image data but not necessarily ahandle or latching structure, although the handle and/or latchingstructure may be provided for covenience of the user. Accordingly,monitor 20 is a particular embodiment of video processing apparatus 520.

Referring to FIGS. 14a and 14b , components of monitor 20 are depictedwhich may also be comprised by video processing apparatus 520. Thesecomponents may include a circuit board 250 and, mounted on circuit board250, an internal heat sink 252 thermally coupled to a first heatgenerator circuit 254, a battery 251, a second heat generator circuit255, and a heat transfer bridge 256 thermally coupling internal heatsink 252 with external heat sink 70. Heat transfer bridge 256 maycomprise a sheet of copper physically attached to internal heat sink 252with external heat sink 70. As shown, heat transfer bridge 256 comprisesa first portion positioned between internal heat sink 252 and the firstheat generator circuit 254, which may be a memory (see memory 512 inFIG. 22), and a second portion positioned between external heat sink 70and the second heat generator circuit, which may be an FPGA (see FPGA514 in FIG. 22). In another example, the first portion of heat transferbridge 256 is sized and shaped to match, and is attached to, the finnedsurface of internal heat sink 252 instead of being positioned betweeninternal heat sink 252 and the first heat generator circuit 254. A fan253 circulates air through the fins of heat sink 252. Hot air may exitthe internal space via ventialtion grid 80. The heat generator circuitsmay comprise the FPGA, a processor or central processing unit, a videographics integrated circuit, and any other circuit integrated in asingle semiconductor package and capable to processing a large number ofinstructions and thus generate heat. A heat generator circuit may alsocomprise a power regulator and/or power converter, including a DC-DCconverter. A surface 258 of heat sink 70 contacts heat transfer bridge256 which in turn contacts second heat generator circuit 255. Thermallyconductive paste or a layer of thermally conductive material may beplaced between the heat generators and the heat sinks to improve thermaltransfer, as is well known in the art. A plate 257 is placed on theinside of the back wall of the housing. Plate 257 has a through-hole,matching the location of through-hole 91, through which surface 258 isaccessible. Plate 257 also provides support to mount heat sink 70 sincefasteners 76 pass through heat sink recess wall 81 b and are securedwithin the internal space of the housing through plate 257.

In a variation of the present embodiment, fan 253 is omitted and theinternal space is passively cooled by transferring some of the heatproduced by the first heat generator circuit through the heat transferbridge to the external heat sink, where the heat is dissipated. Aportion of the heat is also ventilated through the ventilation grid.

In another variation of the present embodiment, fan 253 is provided andthe heat transfer bridge is omitted.

In another variation of the present embodiment, only an external heatsink is provided.

Monitor 20 and video processing apparatus 520 comprise one or moreconnector port. The connector port may include a flexible plug hood, asdescribed below. The flexible plug hood extends from a side of thehousing of monitor 20 or video processing apparatus 520. The flexibleplug hood may, but does not have to, include an alignment indicatorand/or a technology indicator.

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, each connector port 32, 34, 36 includes aconnector 263, 265 mounted on a medical device interface 262, 264.Connectors 263 and 265 are shown mounted on, respectively, medicaldevice interfaces 262 and 264, and more specifically on a circuit boardof each medical device interface. The medical device interfaces areremovable. Each connector port 32, 34, 36 also includes a connector ring282, 284 which, in the present embodiment, is associated with thetechnology of the respective medical device interface. The technologyfor receiving and outputting image data and for outputing power for theimage sensor, lighting device, and other components of a respectivevideoscope can vary based on the purpose or procedure for which thevideoscope is designed, the image sensor model, etc. The videoscopes maybe single-use videoscopes, in which case the monitor may be the mostexpensive component of the video system. Providing removable medicaldevice interfaces and providing technology indicators in the connectorport and videoscope cable connectors enables use of different videoscopetechnologies with the same monitor and updating of the medical deviceinterfaces to match additional or newer versions of videoscopes as theybecome available, therefore allowing an owner of the monitor to extendits effectiveness and useful life and to increase its value.

Referring to FIGS. 16a-16c and 17, connector ring 282 comprises a plughood 282 a, an intermediate portion 282 b, and a retention portion 282 dincluding an alignment cavity 282 d. The connector ring mounted on anopening in a wall of the housing. The retention portion and the plughood are larger in cross-section than the opening in the wall of thehousing in at least one radial extent, and the intermediate porton issmaller in cross-section than the opening in the wall of the housing inthe at least one extent, therefore the flexible material of theconnector ring can be bent to pass the connector ring through theopening until the intermediate portion traverses the opening, at whichtime the plug hood and the retention portion secure the connector ringin the opening. In another example the retention portion may be threadedto secure the connector ring to a threaded opening in the housing, whilestill including a flexible plug hood.

As shown, alignment cavity 282 d is a notch that fits over a protrusioninside the housing. The protrusion and alignment cavity cause connectorring 282 to fit within an aperture on the side of the monitor with thealignment indicator 287 in the correct radial orientation. Plug hood 282a includes alignment indicator 287, which may be, as shown, a notchshaped as the letter V. As shown, the cylindrical wall of the plug hoodhas a width, the apex of the V is directed to the retention portion, anda length of the V extends parallel to a centerline of the connectorring, with the width being greater than the length. At least plug hood282 a is made from a flexible material. In the present embodiment, theconnector ring is made from the flexible material, for example siliconeor an elastomeric polymer. The connector ring may be molded or machined.Flexibility facilitates insertion of the cable connector, or plug,through the plug hood into the connector of the medical deviceinterface. Additionally, flexibility prevents damage to the plug hood incase the monitor or VMM is accidentally dropped or hit. Thus, becausethe plug hood will not be damaged by contact, it can extend further thanprior art plug hoods. Additionally, flexibility facilitates “blind” (byfeel, without looking) insertion of a cable connector through plug hood282 a for coupling with a connector 263, 265. Altogether, the tactileand visual alignment indicators facilitate visual and blind connections,as desired, which can be made more quickly than without the indicators.

The notch of alignment indicator 287 may be surrounded by a frame 288 ofmaterial of a color different than the color of the remainder of theconnector ring to highlight the position of the notch. For example,frame 288 may be white while connector ring 282 may be blue, green, oranother color.

Turning attention now to the handle of monitor 20, as described withreference to FIGS. 2a-5c , the handle can be maintained in one of manypositions by a handle position brake. Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19,the monitor includes a handle position brake on each side. FIG. 18illustrates an embodiment of a handle position brake 300 viewed frominside housing 22 and therefore showing the internal surface of the wallportion forming groove 42, denoted by numeral 330 in FIG. 18. Handleposition brake 300 includes a threaded nut 302 secured to handle axle51, a first disk 304, a second disk 306, and a spring 308 betweenthreaded nut 302 and first disk 304, spring 308 causing a surface of thefirst disk to press against a surface of the second disk to create abraking force to maintain handle 26 in one of the plurality of positionsas described above. An additional disk 310 is shown between spring 308and threaded nut 302. The surface of the first disk can be grooved andthe surface of the second disk can also be grooved to increase thebraking force relative to ungrooved, or flat, disk surfaces. Groovesprovide one form of texturing. Other textures may be applied to increasefriction between the disk's surfaces. The grooves can be distributedevenly radially, for example every 10-20 degrees, so that protrusionsbetween each pair of grooves can fit in grooves of the opposing disk toprovide a discrete position. Thus, for example, if the grooves arespaced 15 degrees apart, the brakes will have different handle positionsat 15 degree intervals.

Second disk 306 comprises two keys protruding parallel to handle axle51. One key penetrates an aperture of a right-hand rotation stop 320 andthe other penetrates an aperture of a left-hand rotation stop 322. Eachrotation stop comprises a circular portion through which handle axle 51passes and extending from the circular portion a first arm perpendicularto handle axle 51 and a second arm extending therefrom in parallel tohandle axle 51. The rotation stops prevent rotation of second disk 306.

A reinforcement block 332 is affixed to housing 22 on the opposite sideof which handle position brake 300 is mounted. A portion ofreinforcement block 332 extends over wall 330 and between wall 330 andleft-hand rotation stop 322 to reinforce wall 330.

FIG. 19 depicts an external view of a portion of monitor 22 overlappinghandle position brake 300. A distal end of handle axle 51 oppositethreaded nut 302 has a through-hole. The first end of arm 46 fits in thethrough-hole and is secured therein by a screw 334. Thus, pivotingmovement of arm 46 causes handle axle 51 to pivot only when the frictionbetween the surfaces of the first and second disks 304 and 306 isovercome by the force applied to arm 46. Otherwise, the friction holdsarm 46 in its position. A distal end of the handle axle may be supportedby a bushing 311.

In some variations of the present embodiment, monitor 20 does notinclude a handle or a handle position brake.

In some variations of the present embodiment, monitor 20 includes ahandle and a handle position brake, and the handle is not pivotallycoupled to the housing of the monitor at a middle section thereof.

Turning attention now to the video output by monitor 20 or videoprocessing apparatus 520, a video output housing recess facilitatesconnection of video cables while retaining the connectors of the videocable substantially within the recess to enhance retention and preventaccidental disconnection thereof. Referring to FIGS. 20a, 20b, and 20c ,video output housing recess 400 is formed by lateral walls 401, 402, 404and 405, and a bottom wall 403 having an external surface 403 a and aninternal surface 403 b. Connectors 420 a, 420 b, and 420 c areaccessible through wall 402. Bottom wall 403 is disposed at an anglebeta which is at least 4 degrees relative to the surface of the displayscreen. Preferrably, beta is at least and including 5-25 degrees, andeven more preferrably beta is at least and including 6-25 degrees.Connector 420 a, for example an HDMI connector, is also aligned at anglebeta. Connector 420 a is mounted on a video ouput board 410. Optionally,video output board 410 is also supported inside housing 22 at anglebeta. A video plug 421 is shown in FIG. 20c plugged into outputconnector 420 a. Advantageously, aligning the connector and the bottomwall of the video output housing recess enables a user to more easilyconnect the plugs with the connectors of the video output board.Optionally, wall 404 is curved to further facilitate manipulation ofplugs with the connectors of the video output board. Wall 404 isopposite 402. The connectors can, but do not have to be, video outputconnectors. Connectors can be for ethernet, coaxial, and other types ofcables and the cables can provide bi-directional communications and/orpower.

Another feature of monitor 20 or video processing apparatus 520 is apower receptacle assembly. Referring to FIG. 21, a power receptacleassembly 500 comprises a power socket 501 mounted on circuit board 250and a corresponding hole 502 in the back wall of housing 22. A powercord plug passes through hole 502 to enter power socket 501 and throughpower socket 501 provides power to the circuits on circuit board 250 andthe medical device interfaces. Advantageously, this design requires orcauses removal of the power cord plug before the back portion of housing22 is removed from the front portion to, for example, swap, remove, oradd, medical device interfaces, which ensures the circuits are powereddown before the back portion of housing 22 is removed to provide accessto the medical device interfaces. Additionally, aligning hole 502 withpower socket 501 mounted on the circuit board, which can be referred toas a motherboard, eliminates additional cables in the internal spacethat would be required if, for example, power socket 501 were mounted ona side of the housing.

As described above, monitor 20 is advantageously operable in default andinverted orientations and can be connected to one or more medicaldevices, which may, but do not have to, be videoscopes. Thus, monitor 20includes video processing circuits operable to receive image data,present a graphical user interface to allow a user to manipulate imagedata with a touch screen, and, optionally, output a video signal toallow remote viewing of the images presented with the touch screen.

Variations of monitor 20 can be provided with various features ofmonitor 20 but including other features. For example, it might not bedesirable to provide a touch screen, or it might be desirable to omit adisplay module altogether. Omission of the display module might bebeneficial to take advantage of evolving video display technologieswhich improve resolution and reduce cost. Provision of exchangeablemedical device interfaces allows for adoption of evolving image sensorand videoscope technologies, thus use of existing or future-developedexternal video displays could allow presentation of higher resolution orotherwise improved video. Use of external video displays could alsoleverage existing capital investments. Use of wall-mounted videodisplays could also reduce reliance on IV poles and, generally, clutter.

Video processing circuits and other components will now be describedwith reference to FIGS. 22-24. FIG. 22 depicts example components ofmonitor 20. Several components are part of a VMM 21. It should beunderstood that VMM 21 can, but does not have to be, a physical moduleindependent of other components. Instead, VMM 21 is described in termsof its function to simplify description, and the componens that performthe functions can be arranged in any convenient manner. Accordingly,monitor 20 includes VMM 21, display module 24, and, optionally, anorientation sensor 518. The functionality of orientation sensors wasdescribed above. VMM 21, display module 24, and an orientation sensor518 are supported by housing 22, as described above. As shown, VMM 21includes medical device interfaces 262, 264, and 266. VMM 21 couldinclude fewer medical interfaces and might include a medical deviceinterface that is not removably coupled.

VMM 21 also includes a processor 510, memory 512 including graphicaluser interface (GUI) logic 513, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)514, video outpout board 410, a user interface 516, and a microphone517. User interface 516 may comprise a wireless interface operable toreceive user inputs via a mouse, keyboard, or other physical user inputdevices. Example wireless interfaces include Bluetooth and Zigbeecontrollers. User interface 516 may also comprise a USB port to receivea USB connector including the wireless interface or a USB connector of awired user input device. Thus, VMM 21 provides for flexibility inreceiving user inputs via various user input devices, regardless whethera display module is integrated therewith.

FPGA 514 is optionally provided because it is capable of rapid power-up(i.e. short boot-up time) and thus is useful in emergency situations.FPGAs may also be provided in the medical device interfaces for the samereasons. FPGAs process data very fast compared to othermemory/instruction combinations and are re-programmable. Therefore FPGAsfacilitate presentation of a live view of the images captured by thevideoscope in real-time with minimal latency so that the physicianobserving the live view can take immediate actions even in emergencysituations. As technology evolves, the functionality of FPGA 514 may becombined with processor 510. VMM 21 is therefore not limited to theprecise packaged integrated circuits described with reference to FIG. 22but can be constructed to take advantage of design and cost targets andfuture video processing technologies. For example, faster/more costlymemory may be used to increase graphics processing speed. Graphicsprocessing may be provided in the FPGA or a processor that incorporatesgraphics processing logic may be used instead.

FIG. 23 illustrates a system including monitor 20 and three videoscopes1 a, 1 b, 1 c communicatively coupled to monitor 20 via cables 12 a, 12b, and 12 c. The videoscopes may comprise, for example, an endotrachealtube with an image sensor at the distal end thereof, a videolaryngoscope, an endoscope, a duodenoscope, a colonoscope, an ENT scope,and any other medical device adapted for insertion into a living bodyand having an image sensor to capture views of body tissues. An externaldisplay device 524 is communicatively coupled to monitor 20, for examplevia video outpout board 410 and an HDMI cable.

FIG. 24 illustrates a system including a video processing apparatus 520including a housing 522, VMM 21, and ports 32, 34, and 36. As describedabove, more or less ports can be included. Video processing apparatus520 is communicatively coupled to external display device 524. Theconnector port(s) may include a flexible plug hood, as described above.The flexible plug hood may extends from a side of housing 522. Any ofthe above-described connector port configurations may be used, includingthose comprising various indicators technology and orientationindicators.

In some embodiments, PVA 520 is devoid of a display module.

In some embodiments, PVA 520 is devoid of a handle pivotally attached tothe back wall of the housing and of grooves sized and shaped to receivethe arms of the handle.

In some embodiments, PVA 520 includes the internal and external heatsinks. In some variations of the present embodiment PVA 520 includes theheat transfer bridge. In other variations PVA 520 excludes the heattransfer bridge.

In some embodiments, PVA 520 includes the flexible connector hoods. Insome variations of the present embodiments, PVA 520 includes thetechnology and orientation indicators referred to above. In somevariations of the present embodiments, PVA 520 the connector hoods areunmarked by technology and orientation indicators.

The term “logic” as used in this patent application includes softwareand/or firmware executing on one or more programmable processingdevices, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmablegate arrays, digital signal processors, hardwired logic, or combinationsthereof. Therefore, in accordance with the embodiments, various logicmay be implemented in any appropriate fashion and would remain inaccordance with the embodiments herein disclosed. Logic may compriseprocessing instructions embedded in non-transitory machine-readablemedia (e.g. memory).

GUI logic 513 comprises processing instructions to generate a GUIpresented with display module 24 and/or external display device 524. TheGUI can be responsive to user inputs received via the touch screen orother user inputs. GUI logic 513 may process an output signal fromorientation sensor 518 indicative of an orientation of monitor 20, andto present the GUI in an orientation based on the signal fromorientation sensor 518.

Processor 510 receives image data from medical device interfaces 262,264, and 266 and outputs video signals incorporating the GUI and imagedata. Image data may be referred to “live images” or “live video” ifthey are received substantially in real-time from the videoscopes. Thevideo signals may be received by a memory buffer and the buffer may beread by the display module or video output card to present the GUI andimages. Techniques for presenting images are well known, includingtechniques using buffers or mapped memory.

GUI logic 513 may present the GUI depending on the orientation signalfrom the orientation sensor or a user instruction to invert the view. Aview corresponds to the display area of a display screen. The GUI maycomprise first and second panels provided side-by-side in the view. Thesecond panel presents live images and is positioned on the right side ofthe view, with the first panel positioned on the left side of the view.Even when the monitor orientation changes, the first panel remains onthe left of the second panel.

The GUI may present in the first panel a small version of live imagesprovided by a second videoscope and the user may use the GUI to switchthe live images from the first and second videoscopes so that the imagesfrom the second videoscope are presented in the second panel while theimages from the first videoscope are reduced and presented in the firstpanel. The last videoscope connected to a connector port may be shown inthe second panel by default. However the views from the differentvideoscopes can selected by the user with the GUI for presentation inthe first or second panel or not displayed at all.

The GUI may present various icons corresponding to actions selectable bythe user with any of the above-described user input devices, to forexample store a copy of a live image, store a portion of videocorresponding to live images, invert the views, apply correction curvesto the image data to reduce overexposure, etc.

Additional examples within the scope of the disclosure are listed below.

Support Bracket Examples:

-   -   1. A support bracket for a portable monitor, the support bracket        comprising:    -   a longitudinal frame having a first end opposite a second end, a        first opening in the first end and a second opening in the        second end, the longitudinal frame also including a monitor        facing wall having at least one opening between the first end        and the second end;    -   a first actuator accessible through the first opening and sized        and shaped to translate in the first end;    -   a second actuator accessible through the second opening and        sized and shaped to translate in the second end;    -   a first latch extending through the at least one opening and        including a slanted surface, the first latch biased to a first        position in which the first latch is nearer the first end than        in a second position, wherein force applied to the first        actuator causes the first actuator to translate the first latch        to the second position, and wherein force applied to the slanted        surface perpendicularly to the monitor facing wall translates        the first latch to the second position;    -   a second latch extending through the at least one opening and        including a slanted surface, the second latch biased to a first        position in which the first latch is nearer the second end than        in a second position, wherein force applied to the second        actuator causes the second actuator to translate the second        latch to the second position, and wherein force applied to the        slanted surface perpendicularly to the monitor facing wall        translates the second latch to the second position.

2. The support bracket of example 1, wherein each of the first latch andthe second latch includes an internal portion disposed within thelongitudinal frame.

3. The support bracket of example 2, wherein the internal portion of thefirst latch is connected to the first actuator and the internal portionof the second latch is connected to the second actuator.

4. The support bracket of any one of examples 1 to 3, further comprisinga spring connected to the internal portion of the first latch to biasthe first latch to the first position.

5. The support bracket of example 1, further comprising a hangerconnected to the longitudinal frame and extending downwardly therefrom,a bottom wall connected to the hanger, and a front wall extendingupwardly from the bottom wall, wherein the hanger, the bottom wall, andthe front wall define a cradle sized and shaped to receive the portablemonitor.

6. The support bracket of example 5, wherein the hanger has a topportion including a first opening and a second opening, wherein the atleast one opening is sized and shaped to receive the top portion of thehanger, and wherein the first latch extends through the first openingand the second latch extends through the second opening when the hangeris attached to the longitudinal frame.

7. The support bracket of example 6, wherein the top portion of thehanger includes a centering protrusion positioned between the firstopening and the second opening.

8. A support bracket and monitor arrangement, comprising: the supportbracket of any one of examples 1 to 7; and

-   -   a monitor operable in a first orientation and a second        orientation, the monitor comprising a display, a housing        supporting the display, and a latching structure including a        first latch retainer, a first recess, a second latch retainer,        and a second recess,    -   wherein the first latch retainer is sized and shaped to apply        force upon the slanted surface of the first latch when the        monitor is moved toward the support bracket to move the first        latch from the first position to the second position and to        retain the first latch once the first latch is received by the        first recess and returns to the first position, and wherein the        second latch retainer is sized and shaped to apply force upon        the slanted surface of the second latch when the monitor is        moved toward the support bracket to move the second latch from        the first position to the second position and to retain the        second latch once the second latch is received by the second        recess and returns to the first position.

9. The support bracket and portable monitor arrangement of example 8,wherein the monitor comprises an external heat sink and the externalheat sink includes the latching structure.

10. The support bracket and portable monitor arrangement of any one ofexamples 8 and 9, wherein the monitor comprises a handle having arms,handle axles connected to the arms to pivotally connect the handle tothe housing, the handle axles defining a rotation axis, and wherein thelatching structure is on a plane perpendicular to the display andtraversing the rotation axis.

11. The support bracket and portable monitor arrangement of any one ofexamples 8 to 10, wherein the monitor has a first side opposite a secondside, wherein in the first orientation the first side is below thesecond side, wherein the monitor has a third side opposite a fourthside, a distance from the third side to the fourth side defining alength of the monitor, wherein a length of the longitudinal frame is atleast 65% of the length of the portable monitor.

12. The support bracket and portable monitor arrangement of any one ofexamples 8 to 10, wherein the monitor has a first lateral side and asecond, opposite, lateral side, wherein a length of the longitudinalframe is sufficient to enable a user holding the monitor with the rightand left hands positioned on the first lateral side and the secondlateral side to apply force to the first actuator and the secondactuator with the left hand and the right hand to release the monitorfrom the support bracket.

13. The support bracket and portable monitor arrangement of any one ofexamples 8 to 10, wherein the monitor has a first side opposite a secondside, wherein in the first orientation the first side is below thesecond side, a distance from the first side to the second side defininga width of the monitor, wherein a distance from a plane bisecting thefirst latch horizontally to the bottom wall is substantially equal to %of the width of the monitor.

14. The support bracket and portable monitor arrangement of any one ofexamples 8 to 10, wherein the monitor has a first side opposite a secondside, wherein in the first orientation the first side is below thesecond side, wherein the cradle is sized and shaped to permit latchingof the latching structure onto the first latch and the second latch withthe monitor supported by the cradle, in the first orientation and alsowith the monitor in the second orientation.

15. The support bracket and portable monitor arrangement of any one ofthe preceeding examples, the monitor further comprising a circuit boardmounted inside the housing and a power socket mounted on the circuitboard and sized and shaped to receive therein a power plug, wherein thehousing includes a front portion removably attached to a back portion,the back portion including a through-hole aligned with the power socket,the through-hole sized and shaped to receive therethrough the powerplug, wherein removal of the back portion removes the power plug fromthe power socket.

16. The support bracket and portable monitor arrangement of any one ofthe preceeding examples, the monitor further comprising an internal heatsink within the internal space defined by the housing, and an externalheat sink mounted on an outer surface of the housing.

17. The support bracket and portable monitor arrangement of example 16,the monitor further comprising a heat transfer bridge thermallyconnecting the internal heat sink and the external heat sink.

18. The support bracket and portable monitor arrangement of example 17,wherein the monitor is devoid of an internal fan.

19. A support bracket and video processing apparatus (VPA) arrangement,comprising:

-   -   the support bracket of any one of examples 1 to 7; and    -   a PVA comprising a housing and a latching structure including a        first latch retainer, a first recess, a second latch retainer,        and a second recess,    -   wherein the first latch retainer is sized and shaped to apply        force upon the slanted surface of the first latch when the PVA        is moved toward the support bracket to move the first latch from        the first position to the second position and to retain the        first latch once the first latch is received by the first recess        and returns to the first position, and    -   wherein the second latch retainer is sized and shaped to apply        force upon the slanted surface of the second latch when the PVA        is moved toward the support bracket to move the second latch        from the first position to the second position and to retain the        second latch once the second latch is received by the second        recess and returns to the first position.

20. The support bracket and PVA arrangement of example 19, wherein thePVA comprises an external heat sink and the external heat sink includesthe latching structure.

21. The support bracket and PVA arrangement of any one of examples 19 or20, wherein the PVA has a first lateral side and a second, opposite,lateral side, wherein a length of the longitudinal frame is sufficientto enable a user holding the PVA with the right and left handspositioned on the first lateral side and the second lateral side toapply force to the first actuator and the second actuator with the lefthand and the right hand to release the PVA from the support bracket.

22. The support bracket and PVA arrangement of any one of examples 19 to21, wherein the PVA has a first side opposite a second side, wherein inthe first orientation the first side is below the second side, adistance from the first side to the second side defining a width of thePVA, wherein a distance from a plane bisecting the first latchhorizontally to the bottom wall is substantially equal to ½ of the widthof the PVA.

23. The support bracket and PVA arrangement of any one of the precedingexamples, the PVA further comprising a circuit board mounted inside thehousing and a power socket mounted on the circuit board and sized andshaped to receive therein a power plug, wherein the housing includes afront portion removably attached to a back portion, the back portionincluding a through-hole aligned with the power socket, the through-holesized and shaped to receive therethrough the power plug, wherein removalof the back portion removes the power plug from the power socket.

24. The support bracket and PVA arrangement of any one of the precedingexamples, the PVA further comprising an internal heat sink within theinternal space defined by the housing, and an external heat sink mountedon an outer surface of the housing.

25. The support bracket and PVA arrangement of example 24, the PVAfurther comprising a heat transfer bridge thermally connecting theinternal heat sink and the external heat sink.

26. The support bracket and PVA arrangement of any one of the precedingexamples, wherein the PVA is devoid of an internal fan.

27. The support bracket and PVA arrangement of any one of examples 19 to26, wherein the VPA is devoid of a display module.

28. The support bracket and PVA arrangement of any one of examples 19 to26, wherein the VPA is devoid of a handle pivotally attached to the backwall.

Connector Ring Examples:

1. A connector ring for a video processing apparatus (VPA), theconnector ring comprising:

-   -   a retention portion;    -   an intermediate portion; and    -   a plug hood made of a flexible material, the intermediate        portion connecting the retention portion to the plug hood,    -   wherein the retention portion and the plug hood are larger in        cross-section than the intermediate portion in at least one        radial extent.

2. The connector ring of example 1, wherein the plug hood comprises avisual technology indicator associated with a technology of a medicaldevice interface of the VPA and a plug alignment indicator, wherein theretention portion includes an alignment feature corresponding with thealignment indicator.

3. The connector ring of examples 1 or 2, wherein the plug hoodcomprises a cylindrical wall including the visual technology indicatorand the plug alignment indicator.

4. The connector ring of examples 1, 2, or 3, wherein the visualtechnology indicator comprises a color associated with the technology ofthe medical device interface, and the plug alignment indicator comprisesa notch in the cylindrical wall, and wherein the plug hood furthercomprises an alignment indicia of a color different than the colorassociated with the technology of the medical device interface.

5. The connector ring of any one of examples 1-4, wherein the retentionportion of the connector ring comprises an arcuate wall including thealignment feature, and the alignment feature is sized and shaped toradially align the connector ring with a medical device connector of themedical device interface of the VPA.

6. The connector ring of any one of examples 1-5, wherein the alignmentfeature comprises an opening in the arcuate wall.

7. The connector ring of any one of examples 1-6, wherein the flexiblematerial is selected to adopt a bent state under application of forceand an unbent state upon release of the force, and wherein the connectorhood consists substantially of the flexible material.

8. The connector ring of any one of examples 1-7, wherein the VPAcomprises a housing and a display module supported by the housing andincluding a display screen.

9. A video processing apparatus (VPA), comprising:

-   -   a housing defining an interior space of the VPA and including a        wall having an opening;    -   a medical device interface including a medical device connector        axially aligned with the opening on the wall of the housing; and    -   a connector ring as in any one of examples 1-8.

10. The VPA of example 9, wherein the connector ring comprises aretention portion located in the interior space and radially alignedwith the medical device connector, an intermediate portion traversingthe opening, and a plug hood made of flexible material and extendingoutwardly from the intermediate portion, wherein the retention portionand the plug hood are larger in cross-section than the opening in thewall of the housing in at least one radial extent, and wherein theintermediate porton is smaller in cross-section than the opening in thewall of the housing in the at least one extent.

11. The VPA of example 10, wherein the retention portion of theconnector ring comprises an arcuate wall including an alignment featuresized and shaped to radially align the connector ring with the medicaldevice connector.

12. The VPA of example 11, wherein the alignment feature comprises anotch in the arcuate wall.

13. The VPA of example 11, wherein the plug hood of the connector ringcomprises a visual technology indicator.

14. The VPA of example 10, wherein the plug hood of the connector ringcomprises a plug alignment indicator.

15. The VPA of example 14, wherein the plug hood comprises a cylindricalwall and the plug alignment indicator comprises a notch in thecylindrical wall.

16. The VPA of example 9, wherein the plug hood comprises a cylindricalwall and the plug alignment indicator comprises a notch in thecylindrical wall.

17. The VPA of example 9, wherein the plug hood of the connector ringcomprises a cylindrical wall including a visual technology indicator anda plug alignment indicator.

18. The VPA of example 17, wherein the visual technology indicatorcomprises a color associated with a technology of the medical deviceinterface, and the plug alignment indicator comprises a notch in thecylindrical wall, and wherein the plug hood further comprises analignment indicia of a color different than the color associated withthe technology of the medical device interface.

19. The VPA of any one of examples 8-18, wherein the VPA furthercomprises a display module supported by the housing and including adisplay screen.

20. A method of assemblying a video processing apparatus (VPA),comprising:

-   -   providing a housing including a wall having an opening;    -   removably connecting a medical device interface to a circuit        board located in an internal space of the VPA, the medical        device interface including a connector axially aligned with the        opening on the wall of the housing when the medical device        interface is connected to the circuit board;    -   providing a connector ring including a retention portion, an        intermediate portion, and a plug hood, the intermediate portion        connecting the retention portion to the plug hood, the connector        ring having a flexible portion capable of adopting a bent state        and an unbent state, in the unbent state the flexible portion        having a cross-section larger than the opening and thus not        being insertable through the opening, and in the bent state the        flexible portion having a cross-section smaller than the opening        and thus being insertable through the opening;    -   bending the flexible portion into the bent state;    -   while in the bent state, inserting the portion of the connector        ring through the opening until the opening surrounds the        intermediate portion; and    -   releasing the connector ring to allow the flexible portion to        adopt the unbent state.

21. The method of example 20, further comprising radially aligning theconnector ring with the connector of the medical device interface.

22. The method of example 20, wherein the connector hood comprises theflexible portion.

23. The method of example 20, wherein the flexible portion comprises aflexible polymeric material selected to adopt the bent state and theunbent state, and wherein the connector hood consists substantially ofthe flexible polymeric material.

24. The method of any one of examples 20 to 23, wherein wherein the VPAcomprises a display module supported by the housing and including adisplay screen.

Indicator Examples:

1. A video processing apparatus (VPA) comprising:

a housing defining an interior space of the VPA;

a first medical device interface located in the interior space andincluding a connector adapted to removably connect a cable associatedwith first medical device having an image sensor;

a first visual technology indicator corresponding to the first medicaldevice interface and positioned adjacent the first medical deviceinterface; and

a second medical device interface located in the interior space andincluding a second connector adapted to removably connect a cableassociated with a second medical device having an image sensor, thesecond medical device interface being operably different than the firstmedical device interface;

a second visual technology indicator corresponding to the second medicaldevice interface and positioned adjacent the second medical deviceinterface, wherein the first technology indicator is different from thesecond technology indicator to thereby facilitate connection of thefirst medical device with the first medical device interface and of thesecond medical device with the second medical device interface.

2. The VPA of example 1, wherein the first medical device interface islocated adjacent the second medical device interface.

3. The VPA of example 1, wherein the housing comprises a first openingand the first visual technology indicator comprises or is comprised by aring removably positioned in the first opening, and wherein the housingcomprises a second opening and the second visual technology indicatorcomprises or is comprised by a ring removably positioned in the secondopening.

4. The VPA of example 3, wherein the first opening is permanentlyaligned with the first interface socket and the second opening ispermanently aligned with the second interface socket.

5. The VPA of example 4, wherein the first visual technology indicatorcan be moved from the first opening to the second opening and the firstmedical device interface can be moved from the first interface socket tothe second interface socket.

6. The VPA of example 3, wherein the ring corresponding to the firstvisual technology indicator surrounds the connector of the first medicaldevice interface.

7. The VPA of example 3, wherein the first visual technology indicatorcomprises a first color and the second visual technology indicatorcomprises a second color different than the first color, to therebycolor-code the first medical device interface and the second medicaldevice interface.

8. The VPA of ony one of examples 1 to 7, further comprising a firstinterface socket and a second interface socket, the first interfacesocket and the second interface socket sized and shaped to removably andinterchangeably receive the first medical device interface and thesecond medical device interface.

9. The VPA of example 8, wherein the first interface socket and thesecond interface socket are identical.

10. The VPA of example 1, wherein the first visual technology indicatoris comprised by the first connector and the second visual technologyindicator is comprised by the second connector.

11. The VPA of any one of examples 1 to 10, wherein the VPA furthercomprises a display module supported by the housing and including adisplay screen.

12. The VPA of any one of the preceeding examples, further comprising acircuit board mounted inside the housing and a power socket mounted onthe circuit board and sized and shaped to receive therein a power plug,wherein the housing includes a front portion removably attached to aback portion, the back portion including a through-hole aligned with thepower socket, the through-hole sized and shaped to receive therethroughthe power plug, wherein removal of the back portion removes the powerplug from the power socket.

13. The VPA of any one of the preceeding examples, further comprising aninternal heat sink within the internal space defined by the housing, andan external heat sink mounted on an outer surface of the housing.

14. The VPA of example 3, further comprising a heat transfer bridgethermally connecting the internal heat sink and the external heat sink.

15. The VPA of example 14, wherein the VPA is devoid of an internal fan.

16. A visualization system comprising:

-   -   the VPA of any one of examples 1 to 15;    -   the first medical device, the first medical device including a        connector plug including a first visual indicator corresponding        to the first visual technology indicator; and    -   the second medical device, the second medical device including a        connector plug having a second visual indicator corresponding to        the second visual technology indicator.

16. The visualization system of example 16, wherein the first visualtechnology indicator and the first visual indicator comprise a firstcolor, and wherein the second visual technology indicator and the secondvisual indicator comprise a second color different than the first color,to thereby color-code the first medical device with the first medicaldevice interface and the second medical device with the second medicaldevice interface.

17. A method of making a video processing apparatus (VPA), comprising:

-   -   providing a housing having a first opening adjacent a second        opening;    -   providing a motherboard including a first interface socket and a        second interface socket, the first interface socket sized and        shaped as the second interface socket, the first interface        socket aligned with the first opening when the VPA is assembled,        and the second interface socket aligned with the second opening        when the VPA is assembled;    -   removably connecting a first medical device interface to the        first interface socket, the first medical device interface        adapted to removably connect a first medical device having an        image sensor;    -   removably connecting a second medical device interface to the        second interface socket, the second medical device interface        adapted to removably connect a second medical device having an        image sensor, the second medical device being different than the        first medical device;    -   removably positioning a first ring comprising a first visual        technology indicator in the first opening; and    -   removably positioning a second ring comprising a second visual        technology indicator in the second opening, the second visual        technology indicator being different than the first visual        technology indicator,    -   wherein the first technology indicator is different from the        second technology indicator to thereby facilitate connection of        a first medical device with the first medical device interface        and of a second medical device with the second medical device        interface.

Support Features Examples:

1. A portable monitor operable in a first orientation and a secondorientation, the monitor comprising:

-   -   a display module;    -   a housing supporting the display module, the housing having a        first side and a second side opposite the first side, a third        side and a fourth side opposite the third side and orthogonal to        the first side, and a back side opposite the display module,        wherein in the first orientation the first side is below the        second side and, and wherein in the second orientation the first        side is above the second side; and    -   a handle having arms and a bar extending between the arms,    -   wherein the back side of the housing includes a middle section        extending between the third side and the fourth side        equidistantly between the first side and the second side,    -   the middle section having a height less than 4.0 centimeters,        and    -   wherein each of the arms has a first end pivotally attached to        the middle section of the housing and a second end opposite the        first end and connected to the bar.

2. The monitor of example 1, wherein the middle section has a heightless than 3.0 centimeters.

3. The monitor of example 1, wherein a center plane bisects the housingin equal parts, and wherein the handle axles comprise rotation axeslying in the center plane.

4. The monitor of any one of examples 1 to 3, wherein the housingcomprises a rounded first edge connecting the first side to the backside and a rounded second edge connecting the second side to the backside, wherein the bar of the handle is operable to support the monitorat an angle to a horizontal plane ranging at least between 15-75degrees, permitting the monitor to rest on the rounded first edge in thefirst orientation and on the rounded second edge in the secondorientation.

5. The monitor of any one of examples 1 to 4, wherein the back side ofthe housing includes grooves sized and shaped to receive, respectively,the arms of the handle.

6. The monitor of any one of examples 1 to 4, further comprising ahandle axle connected to the first end of one of the arms, the handleaxle traversing one of the grooves to define a first section of thegroove on one side of the handle axle and a second section of the grooveon an opposite side of the handle axle, wherein the handle is pivotableabout the handle axle to a plurality of positions including a firstposition, in which the one of the arms is received by the first sectionof the groove, a second position, in which the one of the arms isreceived by the second section of the groove, and intermediate positionsbetween the first position and the second position.

7. The monitor of example 6, further including a handle position brakeincluding one of the handle axles, a first disk having a surfaceincluding grooves defining protrusions therebetween, and a second diskhaving a surface including grooves defining protrusions therebetween,wherein the grooves of the first disk are shaped to match theprotrusions of the second disk to thereby define the intermediatepositions.

8. The monitor of example 6, further including a handle position brakeincluding the handle axle, a first disk, a second disk, and a spring,the handle axle passing through the first disk, the second disk, and thespring, and the spring causing a surface of the first disk to pressagainst a surface of the second disk to create a braking force tomaintain the handle in one of the plurality of positions.

9. The monitor of example 8, wherein the surface of at least one of thefirst disk and the second disk comprises grooves to increase the brakingforce relative to disk surfaces without grooves.

10. The monitor of examples 7 or 9, wherein the grooves of the firstdisk extend radially and are evenly distributed.

11. The monitor of example 10, wherein the grooves are evenlydistributed at between 5 and 20 degrees from each other.

12. The monitor of any one of the preceding examples, wherein thehousing comprises a rounded first edge connecting the first side to theback side and a rounded second edge connecting the second side to theback side, and wherein the rounded first edge has a curvature radiusequal to a curvature radius of the rounded second edge.

13. The monitor of example 12, wherein the curvature radius of therounded first edge is greater than 2.0 centimeters.

14. A portable monitor operable in a first orientation and a secondorientation, the monitor comprising:

-   -   a display module;    -   a housing supporting the display module, the housing having a        first side and a second side opposite the first side, a third        side and a fourth side opposite the third side and orthogonal to        the first side, and a back side opposite the display module,        wherein in the first orientation the first side is below the        second side and, and wherein in the second orientation the first        side is above the second side;    -   a handle having arms, the arms having first ends opposite second        ends, and a bar extending between and connected to the second        ends of arms; and    -   handle axles connected to the first ends of the arms to        pivotally connect the handle to the housing,    -   wherein the back side of the housing includes grooves sized and        shaped to receive, respectively, the arms of the handle, and    -   wherein the handle axles traverse, at least partially, the        grooves to define first sections of the grooves on one side of        the handle axles and second sections of the grooves on opposite        sides of the handle axles, wherein the handle is pivotable about        the handle axles to a plurality of positions including a first        position, in which the arms are received by the first sections        of the grooves, a second position, in which the arms are        received by the second sections of the grooves, and intermediate        positions between the first position and the second position.

15. The monitor of example 14, further including a handle position brakeincluding one of the handle axles, a first disk having a surfaceincluding grooves defining protrusions therebetween, and a second diskhaving a surface including grooves defining protrusions therebetween,wherein the grooves of the first disk are shaped to match theprotrusions of the second disk to thereby define the intermediatepositions.

16. The monitor of example 15, wherein the grooves of the first disk areevenly distributed at between 5 and 20 degrees.

17. The monitor of any one of examples 14 to 16, wherein the housingcomprises a rounded first edge connecting the first side to the backside and a rounded second edge connecting the second side to the backside, and wherein the rounded first edge has a curvature radius equal toa curvature radius of the rounded second edge.

18. The monitor of any one of examples 14 to 17, wherein the monitor hasa weight, wherein between 40-60% of the weight is between the handleaxles and the first side of the monitor, and wherein between 40-60% ofthe weight is between the handle axles and the second side of themonitor.

19. A method of using a monitor as in any one of examples 1 to 18, themethod comprising:

-   -   placing the monitor in the first orientation on a support        structure with the handle in a first of the plurality of        intermediate positions;    -   pivoting the handle to a second of the plurality of positions;        and    -   prior to or after pivoting the handle to the second of the        plurality of positions, placing the monitor in the second        orientation on the support structure.

Video Out Examples:

1. A video processing apparatus (VPA) comprising:

-   -   a housing defining an interior space of the VPA, the housing        having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a        third side and a fourth side opposite the third side and        orthogonal to the first side, and a back wall opposite the        display module, the back wall comprising a main portion laying        on a back plane, a recessed portion recessed from the back plane        and defining a video connection recess, and a recessed wall        extending from the main portion to the recessed portion, the        recessed wall having a video connector opening, and the recessed        portion having an angled surface lying at an angle of at least 5        degrees relative to the back plane; and    -   a video output socket in the interior space and aligned with the        video connector opening of the recessed wall, whereby the angled        surface facilitates insertion of a video connector into the        video output socket.

2. The VPA of example 1, further comprising a video output card, whereinthe video output socket is mounted on the video output card.

3. The VPA of example 2, wherein the video output card is supported bythe housing parallel to the angled surface of the recessed portion ofthe back wall.

4. The VPA of any one of examples 1 to 3, wherein the recessed wallextends parallel to the first side.

5. The VPA of example 4, wherein the recessed portion extends from therecessed wall toward the first side of the VPA.

6. The VPA of example 5, wherein a distance from the recessed portion tothe back plane decreases in a direction from the recessed wall towardthe first side of the VPA.

7. The VPA of example 1, wherein the VPA includes a handle pivotallyaffixed to the back wall and operable to pivot about a rotation axis,wherein the recessed wall is positioned between the rotation axis andthe first side of the VPA.

8. The VPA of example 1, wherein the VPA includes a handle and the mainportion of the back wall comprises grooves, the handle including armshaving first ends opposite second ends and a bar extending between andconnected to the second ends of arms, wherein the grooves are sized andshaped to receive the arms of the handle, wherein the video connectionrecess is positioned between the grooves.

9. The VPA of example 8, wherein the handle is pivotally affixed to theback wall and operable to pivot about a rotation axis passing throughthe grooves to define first sections of the grooves on one side of therotation axis and second sections of the grooves on an opposite side ofthe rotation axis, wherein the handle is pivotable about the rotationaxis to a plurality of positions including a first position, in whichthe arms are received by the first sections of the grooves, a secondposition, in which the arms are received by the second sections of thegrooves, and intermediate positions between the first position and thesecond position.

10. The VPA of example 9, wherein the video connection recess ispositioned between the second sections of the grooves on the oppositeside of the rotation axis.

11. The VPA of example 9, further comprising an external heat sinkpositioned between the second sections of the grooves on the oppositeside of the rotation axis and adjacent the video connection recess.

12. The VPA of any one of examples 8 to 11, wherein the recessed wallextends parallel to the first side of the VPA, and wherein a distancefrom the recessed portion to the back plane decreases in a directionfrom the recessed wall toward the first side of the VPA.

13. The VPA of any one of examples 1 to 12, further comprising a displaymodule supported by the housing and including a display screen.

In the detailed description herein, references to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodimentdescribed may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include theparticular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrasesare not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any othervariation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, suchthat a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list ofelements does not include only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus.

The scope of the invention is to be limited by nothing other than theappended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is notintended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, butrather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least oneof A, B, or C” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase beinterpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, Balone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in anembodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B or C may bepresent in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C,or A and B and C.

We claim:
 1. A connectivity assembly for a video processing apparatus(VPA) having a first videoscope interface having a first connector and asecond videoscope interface having a second connector, the firstvideoscope interface and the second videoscope interface havingdifferent technologies, the connectivity assembly comprising: aconnector ring made of a flexible material selected to adopt a bentstate under application of force and an unbent state upon release of theforce, the connector ring including: a plug hood having a visualtechnology indicator and an alignment indicator; a retention portionhaving an alignment feature sized and shaped to mate with acorresponding feature of the VPA and thereby retain the connector ringin a prescribed position, the alignment feature defining a prescribedposition of the alignment indicator relative to the VPA; and anintermediate portion connecting the retention portion to the plug hood,the retention portion and the plug hood having larger cross-sectionsthan the intermediate portion in at least one radial extent; and a cableconnector of a videoscope, the cable connector sized and shaped to matewith the first connector or the second connector and including: a visualalignment indicator sized and structured to be noticeable by a user ofthe VPA and to align with the alignment indicator of the plug hood whenthe cable connector is mated with the first connector or the secondconnector; and a visual technology indicator matching the visualtechnology indicator of the connector ring and a technology of the firstvideoscope interface or the second videoscope interface to visuallyindicate to the user into which of the first connector or the secondconnector to insert the cable connector, wherein the connector ring isremovably mountable onto the VPA in the bent state and operable toreceive the cable connector in the unbent state.
 2. The connectivityassembly of claim 1, wherein the visual technology indicator of the plughood comprises a color associated with the technology and the alignmentindicator of the plug hood comprises a notch.
 3. The connectivityassembly of claim 2, wherein the plug hood further comprises analignment indicia of a color different than the color associated withthe technology.
 4. The connectivity assembly of claim 2, wherein theplug hood comprises a cylindrical wall having a width, wherein thealignment indicator comprises a notch having a “V” shape with the apexof the “V” directed to the retention portion and a length extendingparallel to a centerline of the connector ring, and wherein the width isgreater than the length.
 5. The connectivity assembly of claim 1,wherein the retention portion of the connector ring comprises an arcuatewall including the alignment feature, and wherein the alignment featurecomprises a notch.
 6. The connectivity assembly of claim 1, wherein thecable connector further comprises a grip section including a top surfaceopposite a bottom surface, the top surface and the bottom surface havingdifferent profiles sized and structured to provide a tactile indicationof an orientation of the cable connector.
 7. The connectivity assemblyof claim 6, wherein the top surface has a flatter cross-section profilethan the bottom surface.
 8. The connectivity assembly of claim 7,wherein the bottom surface includes a texture detectable via touch bythe user.
 9. A method of arranging a video processing apparatus (VPA)for use, the VPA having a first videoscope interface defining a firstconnector and a second videoscope interface defining a second connector,the first videoscope interface and the second videoscope interfacehaving different technologies, the method comprising: providing ahousing having a first opening adjacent a second opening; providing amotherboard including a first interface socket and a second interfacesocket, the first interface socket sized and shaped as the secondinterface socket, the first interface socket aligned with the firstopening when the VPA is assembled, and the second interface socketaligned with the second opening when the VPA is assembled; removablyconnecting a first videoscope interface with the first interface socket;removably connecting a second videoscope interface with the secondinterface socket; removably positioning a first connector ring in thefirst opening; and removably positioning a second connector ring in thesecond opening, the visual technology indicator of the first connectorring being different than the visual technology indicator of the secondconnect ring to indicate a difference in technologies of a firstvideoscope operable with the first videoscope interface and of a secondvideoscope operable with the second videoscope interface, wherein thefirst connector ring and the second connector ring are made of aflexible material selected to adopt a bent state under application offorce and an unbent state upon release of the force, the first connectorring and the second connector ring each including: a plug hood having avisual technology indicator and an alignment indicator; a retentionportion having an alignment feature sized and shaped to mate with acorresponding feature of the VPA and thereby retain the connector ringin a prescribed position, the alignment feature defining a prescribedposition of the alignment indicator relative to the VPA; and anintermediate portion connecting the retention portion to the plug hood,the retention portion and the plug hood having larger cross-sectionsthan the intermediate portion in at least one radial extent.
 10. A videoprocessing system comprising: a video processing apparatus (VPA)including: a housing defining an interior space of the VPA, the housingincluding a wall having a first opening and a second opening; a firstvideoscope interface including a first connector port axially alignedwith the first opening; a second videoscope interface including a secondconnector port axially aligned with the second opening; a firstconnector ring secured in the first opening and a second connector ringsecured in the second opening, the first connector ring and the secondconnector ring made of a flexible material selected to adopt a bentstate under application of force and an unbent state upon release of theforce, each of the first connector ring and the second connector ringcomprising: a plug hood having a visual technology indicator and analignment indicator; a retention portion having an alignment featuresized and shaped to mate with a corresponding feature of the VPA andthereby retain the connector ring in a prescribed position, thealignment feature defining a prescribed position of the alignmentindicator relative to the VPA; and an intermediate portion connectingthe retention portion to the plug hood, the retention portion and theplug hood having larger cross-sections than the intermediate portion inat least one radial extent; and a first videoscope comprising a cableconnector sized and shaped to mate with the first connector; a secondvideoscope comprising a cable connector sized and shaped to mate withthe second connector, the cable connector of the first videoscope andthe second videoscope each including: a visual alignment indicator sizedand structured to be noticeable by a user of the VPA and to align withthe alignment indicator of the plug hood when the cable connector ismated with, respectively, the first connector or the second connector;and a visual technology indicator matching the visual technologyindicator of the connector ring and a technology of, respectively, thefirst videoscope interface or the second videoscope interface, tovisually indicate to the user into which of the first connector or thesecond connector to insert the cable connector, wherein the technologiesof the first videoscope and the second videoscope are different.
 11. Thevideo processing system of claim 10, wherein the visual technologyindicator of the plug hood comprises a color associated with thetechnology and the alignment indicator of the plug hood comprises anotch.
 12. The video processing system of claim 11, wherein the plughood further comprises an alignment indicia of a color different thanthe color associated with the technology.
 13. The video processingsystem of claim 12, wherein the plug hood comprises a cylindrical wallhaving a width, wherein the alignment indicator comprises a notch having“V” shape with the apex of the “V” directed to the retention portion anda length extending parallel to a centerline of the connector ring, andwherein the width is greater than the length.
 14. The video processingsystem of claim 10, wherein the retention portion of the connector ringcomprises an arcuate wall including the alignment feature, and whereinthe alignment feature comprises a notch.
 15. The video processing systemof claim 10, wherein the cable connector further comprises a gripsection including a top surface opposite a bottom surface, the topsurface and the bottom surface having different profiles sized andstructured to provide a tactile indication of an orientation of thecable connector.
 16. The video processing system of claim 15, whereinthe top surface has a flatter cross-section profile than the bottomsurface.
 17. The video processing system of claim 16, wherein the bottomsurface includes a texture detectable via touch by the user.